Osteoarthritis Medications List

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It’s marked by joint wear and tear and cartilage loss that causes bones to rub against each other. The damage can’t be reversed.

OA can occur naturally with age, but younger adults can have it. It can also result from frequent injury. Obesity is a risk factor for OA because the extra weight can push down on your joints. OA causes pain and inflammation (swelling). This can make everyday movement challenging.

Medications can help by easing pain and inflammation.

Your doctor will likely suggest over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to start. If those drugs don’t work or if you have a severe case of OA, your doctor may give you prescription medications.

There are many different pain and anti-inflammatory drugs available to treat OA. Learn about your options here and work with your doctor to find the best one for you.

Like analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) treat pain. Unlike analgesics, these drugs also help prevent painful inflammation and joint damage. They’re the top choice of treatment for people with OA because they’re effective and non-sedating.

NSAIDs come in oral and topical forms. There are many different choices. Some are available OTC.

Your doctor will likely tell you to start with OTC NSAIDs. If those don’t work, your doctor may give you a prescription NSAID.

NSAIDs come with risks, even the OTC versions. Side effects can include:

stomach irritation, erosion, or ulcers (can lead to stomach bleeding and death)

kidney problems

If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor if NSAIDs are safe for you. You shouldn’t take NSAIDs long term without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you during your treatment. If you’re allergic to aspirin, you also shouldn’t take NSAIDs.

Examples of NSAIDs include:

Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph)

Aspirin is an OTC NSAID that treats pain and inflammation. It can help treat your OA symptoms to enhance your quality of life.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Ibuprofen is an NSAID available in both OTC and prescription strengths. Taking ibuprofen long term is not recommended because of the risk of stomach bleeding and heart attack.

The FDA recommends taking the smallest dose that works for you and only taking it for up to 10 days. You should not take ibuprofen for longer than 10 days unless your doctor tells you to.

Naproxen sodium and naproxen (Aleve)

Naproxen sodium is an OTC NSAID. It’s used to treat OA pain and inflammation. Higher doses are also available in prescription forms.

This drug has the advantage that it doesn’t carry the same risk of heart attack that ibuprofen does. However, it does have some side effects. These include:

Diclofenac is a prescription NSAID that comes in both oral and topical forms. Diclofenac-misoprostol (Arthrotec) combines diclofenac with a drug to protect against stomach ulcers. It, too, can cause side effects. These include:

These prescription pain drugs change the way you feel pain, but they don’t prevent inflammation. They’re habit-forming and powerful. They can be combined with other treatments that aren’t sedating and habit-forming.

Opioids can make you sleepy or impair your balance. This can cause additional concerns for people with mobility problems and arthritis.

Doctors often only prescribe opioids if you have severe OA or for occasional use. They may also prescribe them if you’re recovering from surgery. Don’t drink alcohol while taking these drugs.

There’s no cure for OA, but medications can help you manage your condition. You doctor can may prescribe analgesics, topical analgesics, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or opioids. Work with your doctor to choose the best medication for you.